September 23 VIGIL opposing the execution of Richard Henyard

A decision to kill caused this terrible tragedy…
more killing cannot repair the damage done.

As members of Pax Christi Florida witness against the execution of Richard Henyard and all state-sponsored killings, we are deeply sympathetic and ever mindful of the unimaginable pain and suffering which the family of Dorothy Lewis continues to endure. We mourn the loss of her daughters, Jasmine and Jamilya. Please keep the family and friends of these girls in your thoughts and prayers.

Florida is one of five states that contribute to more than 65% of the nation’s executions.

After a seven-month moratorium executions have resumed in Florida. As Catholics and as citizens of this state, we are compelled to voice our unequivocal opposition to this practice of State sponsored killing.

Florida’s Catholic Bishops have concurred that the death penalty has been discriminatory toward the poor, the indigent and racial minorities. In their position statement released in January 2002, they stated,

“Capital punishment contributes to the escalating atmosphere of violence in our society and undermines belief of the inherent worth and dignity of human life.”

Take Action! Join Pax Christi Palm Beach in an execution vigil in front of the St. Ignatius Loyola Cathedral (9500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens) on Tuesday, July 1st from 5:45 – 6:15 p.m. during the execution of Richard Henyard currently scheduled for 6:00 p.m. EST.

"War is a scandal to be mourned every day. We see war in the newspapers ever and we're used to reading about it: the number of its victims is just part of our daily accounts. We hold events to commemorate the centenary of the Great War and everyone is scandalized by the many millions of dead. But today it's the same... instead of one great war, there are small wars everywhere. When we were children in Sunday School and we were told the story of Cain and Abel, we couldn't accept that someone would kill their own brother. And yet today millions kill their own brothers and we're used to it: there are entire peoples divided, killing each other over a piece of land, a racial hatred, an ambition.

Think of the children starving in refugee camps... these are the fruits of war. And then think of the great dining rooms, of the parties held by those who control the arms industry, who produce weapons. Compare a sick, starving child in a refugee camp with the big parties, the good life led by the masters of the arms trade. And remember, that the wars, the hatred, the hostility aren't products we buy at the market: they're right here, in our hearts. The Apostle James gives us a simple piece of advice: 'Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.' But the spirit of war, which draws us away from God, doesn't just reside in distant parts of the world: the spirit of war comes from our own hearts."

- Homily given by Pope Francis at the Casa San Marta on February 25, 2014